As much as I hate to do it, I’m reduced to begging for money to complete my latest album project. People think of me as a “bluesman [which I s’pose I am], a “rock & roll” guy [Which I am], a piano guy, etc. The one thing, though, that really turns my wheels is writing songs; always has – and when a person writes songs, one of the things you want to do is get ’em out there so people can hear them. I’ve been blessed with many opportunities for performing my stuff live, and believe me, I’m grateful for that. But getting the songs out to the larger world seems important, too – plus, there’s  the idea of a somewhat permanent physical record of your creative efforts. Like, “What did Willie do while he was here?”

Many people have praised my songwriting. some even claiming that I’m the “best songwriter ever to come out of Minnesota”. I don’t know – What do I know?  – But I like my stuff quite a bit… If I look back at all the tunes, I don’t think there are many, if any, that I would say I should have trashed – ya have to like what you do, of course,  or why do it?

The new album is full of my usual thinking: There are  songs about ecocide, social crises, revenge of the earth, apocalypse, etc., and of course, love. Sounds a bit “down”? I s’pose, but the world we live in is pretty down right now – don’t you think?  – and, there’s a lot of hope in the songs, too. The album will have everything “from folk to funk”, as I often say when people ask what kind of music I play –  Lotta dancy stuff, some just listening and thinking stuff. It’s definitely an Angel Headed Hipsters record; the guys sound great. In fact, we’ve been playing some of the tunes in our live shows already, And I’ve been playing a couple of them on my solo gigs

So, there it is: Willie, of all people, publicly begging !! I will say, tho, that if you’ve liked my music, you’re gonna like this album. -Thanks, Willie

PS: I don’t have them quite finished yet, But there are 2 new songs that I’m thinking of offering as a bonus to people who contribute, say, $100.00 or more – [there are now 10 songs on the album, so you;d get 12!] I’m not quite prepared to actually make this offer yet, but it looks like it will be in the works. I’ll keep you posted on this. [All contributers get the CD. of course]

PPS: we’re tossing around the idea of making some actual records, besides the usual CDs; records are a bit more expensive to make, though, so I’m trying to take a little survey to see whether anybody would actually buy an LP record. If you want, let me know back here what you think.  Again, thanks

PPPS: Just got a gig for tomorrow nite: The Public. 229 E. 6th Street, St Paul [kind of the edge of Lowertown, take 94 to the 7th St. exit, then right] Would you believe it ? I’m playing with Paul Metsa! Starts at 8.30